Trending Now - Derosa Faces Backlash for Late Decisions in WBC Defeat
WHO:
Mark DeRosa, Team USA manager
Mason Miller, All-Star closer for Team USA
Garrett Whitlock, Boston Red Sox reliever
Eugenio Suarez, player for Venezuela
A.J. Preller, president of baseball operations for the San Diego Padres
Omar Lopez, manager of Venezuela
Daniel Palencia, closer for the Chicago Cubs
WHAT:
Mason Miller pitched four times in the tournament, totaling four innings.
Miller last pitched on March 15th, 2026, against the Dominican Republic, striking out Junior Caminero, inducing O’Neil Cruz to pop out, and controversially striking out Geraldo Perdomo to end the game in a 22-pitch effort.
Venezuela's Eugenio Suarez hit an RBI double to give Venezuela a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning of the championship game.
Team USA lost to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic final on March 17th, 2026.
Mason Miller did not pitch in the championship game despite being available.
Garrett Whitlock allowed the winning run in the ninth inning.
Venezuela scored a run in the top of the ninth inning, leading to a final score of 3-2.
This was Venezuela's first World Baseball Classic title since the event began in 2006.
Team USA experienced its second consecutive loss in the title game after winning in 2017.
WHERE:
The championship game took place at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
WHEN:
The championship game occurred on March 17th, 2026.
Mason Miller pitched against the Dominican Republic on March 15th, 2026.
The semifinal game for Venezuela was on March 16th, 2026.
WHY:
Mark DeRosa stated, "Had we taken the lead, he [Mason Miller] was coming in, but I wasn’t going to bring him in to a tie game," explaining his decision-making process regarding Miller's usage.
Mark DeRosa stated that he did not use Mason Miller because he was honoring the San Diego Padres' request that Miller only pitch in save situations.
DeRosa indicated that had Team USA taken the lead, Miller would have been brought in.
HOW:
DeRosa hinted at being particular with Miller before the game, stating, "I’d like to avoid him, but the score will dictate it. Yes, he’s available."
DeRosa communicated that Miller was available but only under specific conditions set by the Padres.
Other teams, including Venezuela, also adhered to restrictions set by MLB clubs regarding pitcher usage.
(UPDATED March 18, 2026 21:10 UTC)
In a thrilling championship game, Venezuela's Eugenio Suarez hit an RBI double in the ninth inning, giving his team a 3-2 lead. Mason Miller, who pitched four times in the tournament, last took the mound on March 15 against the Dominican Republic, where he struck out Junior Caminero and controversially ended the game by striking out Geraldo Perdomo. Coach Mark DeRosa explained his strategy regarding Miller's usage, indicating he would have brought him in if they had taken the lead, but preferred to be cautious with him based on the game's score.
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(UPDATED March 18, 2026 19:28 UTC)
In a thrilling World Baseball Classic final on March 17, Team USA lost to Venezuela with a final score of 3 to 2, marking Venezuela's first title since the tournament began in 2006. Despite being available, Mason Miller did not pitch in the championship game due to a request from the San Diego Padres, while Garrett Whitlock allowed the winning run in the ninth inning. The game took place at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, and this defeat marks Team USA's second consecutive loss in the title game after their victory in 2017.